Like many of you, I spent this past weekend watching The Open Championship and was thrilled to see Ryan Fox birdie the final hole, earning the title of Champion Golfer of the Year. While I am far from a golf historian, I had to go all the way back to 1977 to find a situation in which the winner of The Open was determined by a player making birdie on the final hole, in the final pairing. That tournament is famously known as the Duel in the Sun at Turnberry, where Tom Watson birdied the 18th hole after Jack Nicklaus briefly tied for the lead by sinking a long birdie putt on the 72nd hole.
Watching The Open always evokes a variety of emotions, with a common one being the desire to travel across the pond to experience links golf in either Ireland or the United Kingdom. While I haven’t started planning my trip yet, I reached out to our friends at Golfbreaks for advice on how to plan it effectively. Fortunately, Chris Bowles, their Head of Long-Haul Travel, was available to offer some guidance. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because Chris was recently a guest, along with Kerny Lane, on an episode of THP’s Off Course podcast.
When Should You Book?
Those who know me understand that I have a reputation for being a last-minute person, especially when it comes to travel. It’s not unusual for me to pack my bag in the early hours of the morning just before catching a 6 AM flight. I realize that this last-minute approach might not be the best strategy for planning a golf trip to Ireland or the UK. Without knowing my background, Chris confirmed my concerns by recommending the appropriate lead time needed for a successful trip.
When planning and booking the ultimate golf trip, Golfbreaks recommends starting at least 18 months in advance. While this may seem like a long time, it’s important to remember that some bucket-list venues, such as Royal Portrush and Muirfield, release their tee times in February for the following year. As one can imagine, these slots fill up quickly. Keep the 18-month recommendation in mind when considering well-known venues and those on the Open rota.
“Don’t wait until January to book your dream trip for that calendar year. Plan the Spring or Summer prior to ensure you get tee times at all your bucket list courses. A large number of British and Irish courses make up the list of the world’s top 100, and demand is increasing year on year. Get ahead of the curve, secure tee times at elite courses, then sit back and relax knowing your trip planning has already been achieved.”
Chris Bowles, Head of Long-Haul Travel for Golfbreaks.
St. Andrews and Bucket List Golf
Next year, The Open Championship will return to the Old Course at St. Andrews for its 155th edition. For many golf fans, St. Andrews is the ultimate destination for a bucket list trip. Golfbreaks can assist in coordinating your journey to St. Andrews in various ways. If you’re interested in attending the 2027 Open Championship, keep an eye on golfbreaks.com for upcoming tournament packages.
For those looking to play at The Home of Golf, it’s advisable to plan well ahead if you want to secure a guaranteed tee time on The Old Course. Chris Bowles recommends starting your arrangements 18 to 24 months in advance, especially for larger groups.
If you’re considering relying on the ballot system to access the Old Course, bear in mind that St. Andrews has six other courses. While around St. Andrews, you might consider trying Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and other hidden gems that are just a short drive away.
Securing a commitment 18 months or more in advance may present challenges for some members of your group. In this case, it might be wise to explore lesser-known or hidden gem regions. For example, when considering a location like North West Ireland, accommodations can typically be booked within 12 months or less.
Getting Around Ireland and the UK
When traveling internationally, there are several important aspects to consider. Items such as passports, cell phone plans, and the correct type of wall charger should all be on your checklist. If you’re specifically visiting Ireland or the UK, transportation is another factor to consider.
By now I’m sure you’ve heard that vehicles drive on the opposite side of the road in these regions. Having visited Ireland and Scotland in the past, I can assure you it’s not as daunting as it might seem. However, you may encounter some two-way roads in Ireland that are no wider than a typical bike path in America. In my experience, as long as you have a reliable co-pilot, driving on the left side is very manageable.
According to Chris, driving represents the most cost-effective option for smaller groups. However, when traveling with four or more golfers, private tour transportation becomes a more viable choice. Private transportation is highly recommended for groups of eight or more, especially if the group includes a mix of golfers and non-golfers. This arrangement allows those who aren’t playing golf to go sightseeing while the rest of the group is on the course.
More Than Just Great Golf
When it comes to sightseeing, some travelers enjoy taking a break from the golf course and immersing themselves in the local culture. For those inclined to explore beyond the greens, Chris suggested several locations. In the South West of Ireland, you can find a mix of attractions, including historic castles, the scenic Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and charming towns such as Killarney, Doolin, and Kenmore, which are known for their pubs that feature traditional Irish music. Doolin is a perfect option for a scenic drive or boat ride to see the famous Cliffs of Moher, and is located just about 20 minutes north of Lahinch Golf Club.
Another recommended location is Northern Scotland, known as the Scottish Highlands. This area is renowned for its landscapes and numerous whiskey distilleries in Speyside. Towns like Inverness, Nairn, and Dornoch offer a wide range of experiences, alongside iconic landmarks such as Eilean Donan Castle and Balmoral Castle, for those who follow the royal family. There is also the off-chance that spending an afternoon around Loch Ness might even lead to an unexpected encounter!
Preparing for Your Golf Trip
Chris mentions that Golfbreaks typically offers trips lasting seven nights, which usually include five rounds of golf. Depending on how your trip plays out, it’s possible to have days where you play 36 holes. Since this trip has been booked well in advance, it’s a good idea to spend the intervening months not only improving your golf game but also getting your body in shape. Many links courses are designed for walkers only, which means you could end up walking up to 10+ miles in a day, only to do it again the next day. Therefore, a comfortable and waterproof pair of shoes is not just a recommendation but a necessity for this ultimate golf trip.
Weather plays a significant role in The Open Championship, and it will likely impact your trip as well. Be sure to pack apparel suitable for a wide variety of weather conditions. It’s not uncommon to experience a range of temperatures, so you might find yourself going from applying sunscreen to wearing a jacket and beanie to stay warm.
“The main travel period is May – September, where you can expect the best weather, but officially the golf season kicks off on April 1st and runs through October. April and October are considered shoulder months where better pricing can be found.”
Final Thoughts – Planning the Ultimate Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip to Ireland or the UK involves many details, and that’s where the experts at Golfbreaks come in as an invaluable resource. They assist with coordinating and booking accommodations and tee times, while bringing extensive knowledge to ensure your time across the pond goes as smoothly as possible.
Their website features an interactive map, allowing golfers to explore different regions and discover available courses and lodging options. When considering a trip of this magnitude, Golfbreaks can eliminate many potential headaches and lead to a fantastic experience, leaving you eager to plan your next adventure.
For more information or to book your trip today, visit golfbreaks.com.
